Lauren Alainahas something new to sing about!
The country music star, 29, tied the knot withCam Arnoldon Sunday at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville in what Arnold describes as a “big, loud” wedding celebration.
Big is an understatement. The couple invited a staggering 450 people to witness their winter nuptials, including celebrity guestsJason and Brittany Aldean,HARDYand wifeCaleigh Ryan,Lindsay EllandShay MooneyofDan + Shay.
“Here’s the funny thing: I wanted a small wedding and Cameron wanted a big wedding. So we compromised — and had a 450-person guest list,” Alaina jokes to PEOPLE, adding, “I think it’s just a reflection of how fortunate we are — we have a lot of people who love us and we love a lot of people.”
Kathy Thomas Photography
Alaina also shared that the couple chose their venue for its grandeur and musical vibes. “The Symphony Center is such an iconic place, and when I walked in and looked at it, I just knew that’s where I wanted to get married,” the “Don’t Judge a Woman” singer recalls.
The couple worked with Sara Fried ofFête Nashville Luxury Weddingsto plan their dream nuptials in just a month’s time after they ended up changing planners at the last minute.
Lauren Alaina and Cam Arnold walk down the aisle with their dogs.Kathy Thomas Photography
Fried shared some of the details of how the couple’s wedding vision came together, including creating a magical setting for their ceremony in Schermerhorn’s garden courtyard.
“Fountains were overflowing with white flowers as Lauren and Cam exchanged vows under a beautiful floral arch,” she tells PEOPLE. “The wintery emerald green and gold color palette continued into the reception filled with lots of velvet, a custom floral canopy over the dance floor and of course, fun Southern details including cow hide rugs.”
Lauren Alaina in her wedding dress.Kathy Thomas Photography
“Our siblings all stood up there with us as we got married. And Cameron’s dad was his best man, which was super sweet,” says the country chart-topper. “It was a very emotional, very heartfelt ceremony.”
Lauren Alaina poses in her wedding dress.Kathy Thomas Photography
The “Thicc as Thieves” singer completed her look with a dramatic, chapel-length veil in hand-beaded Alençon lace.
“Designing her custom Anne Barge gown was such a wonderful experience, filled with lots of laughter and special moments,” Jacobs tells PEOPLE. “The custom gown itself blends timeless elegance of French Alençon lace with a contemporary floral jacquard fabric that was hand-beaded.”
Lauren Alaina and Cam Arnold on their wedding day.Kathy Thomas Photography
Alaina walked down the aisle to an instrumental rendition of a special song that she wrote for Arnold, called “Breaking Up with Single.”
Cam Arnold and Lauren Alaina on their wedding day.Kathy Thomas Photography
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As the reception kicked off, guests enjoyed a casual, “around-the-world”-style station dinner featuring Asian, American, Mexican and Greek fare. “We didn’t do a seated dinner. I couldn’t even imagine assigning seats for 450 people,” Alaina tells PEOPLE.
Lauren Alaina’s wedding cake.Kathy Thomas Photography
To cap off their wedding weekend, Alaina and Arnold will host a send-off brunch. “We’ll eat burgers and drink beer and celebrate being the Mr. and Mrs.,” says Alaina.
Next up will be a honeymoon in Hawaii. “Neither one of us has been [there], so we’re very much looking forward to it,” the musician shares.
Alaina and Arnold quietly began dating in 2020 after meeting atLuke Bryan’s Crash My Playa festival in Mexico. Fittingly, they later went public with their romance on one of music’s biggest stages, theGrand Ole Opry, on Nov. 19, 2022 — the night after theygot engaged.
Before her performance, Alaina couldn’t help but share her happy news with the crowd. “I was welcomed into this family, and it was a dream of mine as long as I can remember,” she said, referencing herOpry induction ceremonyearlier that year. “I didn’t think this year could get any better, [but last night] I got asked into another family!”
Alaina then brought her then-fiancé onstage so she could proudly show him off. “Everybody, this is my fiancé,” she declared. “I told him he had to come out here and we had to get a picture — we’re doing it because this is the circle and I’m going to hold my hand up and do the thing. Make some noise for my future husband everybody!”
Lauren Alaina and Cam Arnold with wedding guests.Kathy Thomas Photography
“I’m excited to have someone to celebrate everything with. To have a definite first call, always,” she says. “And just a partnership that is so much stronger than any other partnership you have. It’s exciting to know you have someone to celebrate everything with and to share hardships with, to have someone that will walk through life with you, good and bad.”
Arnold is equally excited about stepping into this new chapter with Alaina. “To me, getting married means the world,” he tells PEOPLE. “I’m excited to watch Lauren’s career flourish, to be her No. 1 fan, and even if everything goes to hell in a hand basket, I still will be.”
Adds Alaina, “We’re going to spend a few years being married, then hopefully down the line a few years we’ll have our kids. We’ll keep growing together.”
source: people.com
